For my second hike on the Allegany 18 Challenge I chose Red Jacket, but on the way I took a detour to stop and explore Bridal Falls. Bridal Falls isn't part of the Allegany 18 Challenge and technically isn't listed as a hiking trail. Instead it is listed in the park documentation as a program site.
Bridal Falls is located on ASP 1 between the Red House and Quaker Run sections of the park. It is another trail that isn't a loop but instead is a hike down the trail to the destination and back up.
 |
| Bridal Falls Trailhead Kiosk |
Trail Name: Bridal Falls
Trail Length: <0.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Park next in the lot next to the sign for Bridal Falls program area. The path is all downhill from the trail head. It's a muddy and rocky trail but take your time and you can navigate around much of the mud by using the rocks on the trail.
After a short walk down the hill you will see Bridal Falls directly in front of you. Take a few photos enjoy the views and head back up the hill to the trail head and parking lot.
Trail 2 of 18 - Red Jacket
Red Jacket is located directly behind the Red House administration building. If you can't wait to get started on the Allegany 18 challenge this is also a great choice for the first trail to complete.
Trail Name: Red Jacket
Trail Length: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 45 minutes
On the walk to the trail head stop by and check-out the remains of the Outdoor Museum (ASP's zoo) that was operated from opening day in 1933 until it closed in 1944. The museum featured a number of animals and plants that could be found in the area.
After checking out the remains of the outdoor museum continue past the trail head and onto Red Jacket trail to the right. Going left will take you on Conservation (which we will tackle later).
This trail is a loop and I chose to take the counterclockwise route. The trail is narrow but easily walk-able. Continue on the trail for about 1/2 mile and you will see the judging towers for the ski jumps that were created by the Civilian Conservation Corps Company 249 between 1933 and 1935. The ski jumps were used for competitions from 1935 until 1979.
When you get to the stone ski jump follow the trail around the bend and back up the hill. If you continue straight on the trail you will be on a "trail to nowhere". Luckily the park has added signage to indicate that the straight path is not a trail and a small stone wall has been erected to keep unsuspecting hikers from taking the incorrect route.
The walk back up the hill is short and you'll soon be heading back down to the trail head.
Two trails down. 16 more to complete.
No comments:
Post a Comment